Forklift Battery Dangers
Electric lift trucks are the main choice by numerous supply outlets or warehouses which need to transport equipment and heavy products out of and into storage. These battery-powered devices can quietly run on large batteries and are capable of lifting heavy loads. Usually, warehouse personnel are responsible for swapping out the batteries or recharging them during a shift. Although these batteries have been developed and designed with safety as the priority, there are still some issues a user must be aware of and stuff to be prevented when near the batteries.
Weight
Depending on the type, some forklift batteries could weigh as much as 2000 lbs. or 1 ton, even more. Obviously, these extreme weight factors require mechanical assistance so as to safely charge and change the battery. Around 50 percent of all injuries related to lift truck batteries are caused by improper moving and lifting these heavy pieces of equipment. Sometimes jacks, specialized carts, or even other forklifts are used in order to move and transport heavy batteries. The overall success of utilizing these pieces of machinery will really depend upon how the handler safely affixes the battery to the cart. Unfortunately, serious injuries could occur due to falling batteries.
The industry has strict protocols that describe how and when the lift truck battery would be charged. Most businesses have extensive regulations and rules describing the safest way to remove the forklift battery in a safe and efficient way.
Corrosives
It is vital to know that forklift batteries are filled with corrosive liquids that require correct safety measures followed in order to handle them. Two of the most common lift truck battery types include sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide. These are both extremely corrosive materials that could cause chemical burns to the skin, hands, eyes and face.